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Office of the Registrar

General Registration Information

Registration

Advanced registration for continuing degree seeking students is the beginning of April for Fall semester and mid November for the Spring semester. Check the Advanced Registration for dates. For the Summer semester, please check Summer Session Website.

Open registration for non-degree seeking students is about two weeks after the beginning of Advanced registration for the Fall and Spring semester. Check Advanced Registration for dates.

Degree seeking students should meet with their academic advisors before registration to assist in course selection. You should leave the meeting with the classes needed for the upcoming semester using the wish list option in MaineStreet, a required PIN to allow self registration in MaineStreet, and a plan to complete your current degree. The planner and degree progress report (DPR) are also helpful tools.

Non-degree seeking students wishing to register for classes may do so by meeting with an academic advisor at the Student Success Centers on the Portland campus, Gorham campus, or at the Lewiston-Auburn College. Students may also select classes in MaineStreet and self register.

Once registered, please verify that your course information in MaineStreet is accurate. Please report any errors to the Registrar’s Office at 207-780-5230.

Registration Procedures:

By Phone- Students can register by calling (207)780-5230, Monday- Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.

Walk-In - Students can register in person at following campus offices.

Student Success Center, 119 Payson Smith Hall, Portland

Registrar's Office, 100 Bailey Hall, Gorham

Student Success Center, Room 119, Lewiston-Auburn College

MaineStreet Student Self-Service - If you have previously taken courses at USM, you may register 24 hours a day by using the University's MaineStreet Student Self-Service.

Proficiency Requirements:

Newly admitted degree students including freshmen, transfer, and readmitted students, who have not otherwise met proficiency requirements, must complete a placement examination in mathematics before registering for courses. The result of the examination will be used to determine appropriate course placement. For degree seeking students, costs associated with this exam are covered in the student’s enrollment fee; non-degree students are encouraged to take the placement exam for a fee of $20. For information, contact the Office of Academic Assessment at 207-780-4383 or by email at kbeahm@usm.maine.edu. Their main office is located at 628 Law Building on the Portland campus, and their testing facility is located at 240 Luther Bonney Hall on the Portland campus.

General Policies:

Registration Changes - Any changes to pass/fail, audit, or repeat status must be completed by the end of the drop period. Please note: courses taken to satisfy CORE curriculum, academic honors, major and/or minor requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail or audit basis. Repeat forms are required for students that are repeating a class with a different course prefix and number.

Credit Limit - Students can take a maximum of 18 credits each term (Fall, Spring, and Summer) without the permission of his or her advisor and the dean. Please note: Students can take a maximum of 4.5 credits during Winter Session.

Late Registration - During the Fall & Spring, students may add a course during the first week on a space available basis. After the first week, students must have permission from the instructor to add. During Winter & Summer, students may add a course through the second class meeting with permission from the instructor.

After Add/drop, students must complete and submit an Add Form to the Professional & Continuing Education Student Services Center, Student Success Centers, or Registrar's office, with the signature of the faculty of record. Students can also obtain faculty permission via email. Please note, added courses must be paid in full within 5 business days of registration.

Academic Withdrawal Policy - Students withdrawing after the add/drop period through 60% of the course will receive a W grade. Students withdrawing after 60% of the course will receive an automatic grade of F. Failure to submit notice of withdrawal may result in a failing grade and financial liability. Discussion with a faculty member is NOT proper notification of change.

Audits - Students may register for courses on an audit basis. With an audit registration, the student may participate in class work, but is not required to take examinations. An audit registrant should know, however, that state departments of education do not accept for certification or other purposes any course taken on an audit basis. An audit registrant is required to pay full tuition for the course. Registration status may not be changed beyond the second day.

Apply to Graduate - Students who expect to complete baccalaureate or graduate degree requirements must complete the application in Maine Street Student Self-Service or by completing an Application for Degree. This form is also available at all Student Success Centers and the Registrar's Office.

Disclaimer - The University reserves the right to cancel course offerings, to set minimum and maximum size of classes, to change designated instructors of courses, and to make decisions affecting the academic standing of anyone participating in a course or program offered by the University of Southern Maine.